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Definitions

confident

[kon-fi-duhnt] / ˈkɒn fɪ dənt /
ADJECTIVE
certain; sure
Synonyms
STRONGEST
assured certain convinced positive sure
STRONG
secure
WEAK
expectant having faith in hopeful optimistic sanguine
Antonyms
STRONGEST
distrustful doubtful dubious uncertain unconfident unsure
WEAK
pessimistic
ADJECTIVE
self-confident
Synonyms
STRONGEST
assertive assured self-assured self-confident
STRONG
bold brave daring dauntless fearless intrepid self-assertive undaunted undoubting
WEAK
cocksure cocky forward gutsy presuming presumptuous puffed-up self-possessed self-reliant self-sufficient unafraid upbeat
Antonyms
STRONGEST
anxious apprehensive diffident hesitant insecure jittery nervous self-conscious self-doubting shy uneasy withdrawn
STRONG
reticent
WEAK
despairing desperate timid unobtrusive weak wobbly yellow

Usage

What are other ways to say confident? The adjective confident emphasizes the strength of the belief or the certainty of expectation felt. Positive implies emphatic certainty, which may even become overconfidence or dogmatism. Certain suggests that there are definite reasons that have freed one from doubt. Sure, the simplest and most general term, expresses mere absence of doubt. 

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“We were pretty confident this was something that needed to be investigated right away,” Concannon said.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

"To be a world champ, you have to be confident," she says.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

"I am absolutely confident that these four people are going to deliver some incredible descriptions."

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

But he’s not confident that son Blake, a 23-year-old student living at home, will be able keep the upward trajectory going.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

I always feel confident when I put it on—when it isn’t covered in cold green liquid, anyway.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.